Sixteen freshmen worked recently on a campus farm, a Habitat building site and with a local conservation center as part of a summer experience through the university's Kernodle Center.
The Pre-Serve Program, one of Elon’s First-Year Summer Experiences, saw students take part in several service projects coordinated by Pre-Serve student facilitators. The six-day program included team-building activities on Elon’s Challenge Course to learn more about each other before settling into their residence hall for the week.
Participants contributed to service projects across Alamance County, including volunteering with the Conservator’s Center in Mebane, N.C.; building a house with Habitat for Humanity; serving meals at Allied Churches; working at Elon’s Loy Farm; and assisting the Burlington Housing Authority.
First-Year Summer Experience programs help new students transition into the Elon University community by introducing them to fellow classmates, faculty, and staff through a variety of social, recreational or service activities both on and off campus.
This summer enrichment opportunity attracts first-year students who are passionate about service and hope to immerse themselves in college volunteerism.
Participants also enjoyed outings with visits to downtown Graham, N.C.; Lake Macintosh; and a dinner with Elon President Emeritus J. Earl Danieley.
The program ended June 28 with students reflecting on their service experiences and learning how they can volunteer through the Kernodle Center.
– Information provided by Evan Small, assistant director of the Kernodle Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement